Anti-Racism Statement

Our vision is to bring light and hope to every family affected by childhood cancer across Yorkshire. In the five decades since Candlelighters was formed, we have grown and adapted in so many ways to help us achieve this vision. 

One of our core values is to care for patients, families, supporters, staff, and the wider community we operate in. We know that many of the people we serve face challenges which may be exacerbated by race and that we have a duty as an organisation to mitigate these challenges where we have the power to do so.

We want to create a culture where everyone we work with is heard, valued, and cared for.

Candlelighters are committed to growing and adapting to make this happen and have begun taking action to achieve this.

Some of the actions we’re taking:

  • An external review with a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion professional to review and help address where we can improve our processes and operations to remove barriers and ensure fair treatment for all.
  • Starting dialogue with and listening to people from ethnic minority backgrounds on issues they face and how we can alleviate them.
  • Delivering anti-racism training to all members of staff and reinforcing a culture of safety for staff to talk about race.

This is only the start of an ongoing pledge to become an anti-racist organisation. We will continue to develop and grow, striving to improve our knowledge and use our influence to contribute a more inclusive society.

If you’d like to speak to someone about this statement, you can contact us at [email protected].

Our stories

Stacy’s Story
22-07-23Our stories • Posted by Honey Best-Barton
Stacy Procter lives in Leeds and, since 2017, has volunteered an incredible 135 hours of her time and raised over £22k for Candlelighters. In June 2023, she was shortlisted for Volunteer of the Year at the Yorkshire Choice Awards. Stacy tells us her story. Stacy said, “I started volunteering for Candlelighters by helping at family …
Being there for families at the hospital
13-07-23Our stories • Posted by Honey Best-Barton
When a child diagnosed with cancer is admitted to hospital, it can be an incredibly tough time for them and their whole family. Because of the generosity of supporters like you, our Family Support Team are at the hospital six days a week to make this difficult time a little easier for families. They work …
Company of the Month… Quality Bearings Online!
22-06-23Our stories • Posted by Candlelighters Marketing
We are so pleased to announce that our latest Company of the Month is Quality Bearings Online! Quality Bearings Online began supporting us 2022, the same year they celebrated their 10-year anniversary. They kicked off their fundraising efforts with a member of their staff participating in Tough Mudder. Harry Shelborn completed the enduring mud run …
Company of the Month… Bettys York!
18-05-23Our stories • Posted by Candlelighters Marketing
We are so pleased to announce that our latest Company of the Month is Bettys York! The well-known institution, Bettys Café Tea Rooms, has a rich and fascinating history. Our journey with Bettys York began more recently in October 2022 when Candlelighters was nominated as Bettys York’s branch charity by a member of their kitchen …
Late Bradford Philanthropist’s kindness lives on with incredible gift to Candlelighters!
04-04-23Our stories • Posted by Honey Best-Barton
Candlelighters is one of several charities to have been gifted a donation from Joyce Mary Mountain’s estate, following her death in 2005.  Joyce Mary Mountain ran the Bradford-based Victor Manufacturing Company – now one of the UK’s largest foodservice equipment manufacturers – which she co-founded with her husband. She continued to live in Bradford for …
Company of the Month… Walker Morris LLP!
09-03-23Our stories • Posted by Gaby Stead
We are so pleased to announce that our latest Company of the Month is Walker Morris LLP! Last October, the Leeds-based legal company voted to support Candlelighters as their charity of the year for 2022-2023. In the first four months of the partnership, the team have got stuck in and have raised over £5,750 for Candlelighters. …
Company of the Month… Sentinel Squad!
17-02-23Our stories • Posted by Gaby Stead
We are so pleased to announce that our latest Company of the Month is Sentinel Squad UK! Founded in 2013, Sentinel Squad UK is a Star Wars fandom group based in Yorkshire, which raises money for local children’s charities. Members of Sentinel Squad UK travel to different events and locations dressed as Star Wars characters, collecting …
Company of the Month… Absolute Warehouse Services!
06-01-23Our stories • Posted by Gill Davenport
We are so pleased to announce that our latest Company of the Month is Absolute Warehouse Services! Absolute Warehouse have been supporting Candlelighters since 2018 and have donated an amazing £19,000 during that time. Most recently, they sponsored the Candlelighters Christmas Party for the second time by making a very generous donation of £5,500 and …
Company of the Month… Lovell Eastern!
15-12-22Our stories • Posted by Gill Davenport
We are so pleased to announce that our latest Company of the Month is Lovell Eastern! Charity of the Year partners Lovell Eastern have so far raised a fantastic £8,590 for Candlelighters by undertaking all sorts of fabulous fundraising, including: Robert Adams, Regional Managing Director at Lovell Homes, said, “Support for local charities is always …

Your stories

Allen’s Story
30-01-23Your stories • Posted by Honey Best-Barton
Allen Hart from Leeds became involved with Candlelighters after we supported his family throughout his daughter, Laura’s, diagnosis and treatment for Wilms Tumour. Laura sadly passed away in 2007 aged just three. Allen began fundraising before Laura died and has continued ever since, making him one of our longest-standing fundraisers.   It all began with Allen …